SLA Biochem
10th Grade Quarter 3 Benchmark

Aim: To thoroughly investigate a specific chemical used in everyday products, evaluate the health and environmental implications of using this chemical, develop a position on what actions, if any, are needed, and persuade others to take action.

You will create a “white paper” containing the following information. This white paper will be presented on a wiki. Your will also create a short persuasive public service announcement that is designed to educate and persuade others.

Your wiki will contain the following sections:

• 1. Abstract

  • -Three paragraph abstract
    • ¶ 1 Summarize the background
    • ¶ 2 Summarize the implications; health, environmental, economic, and political
    • ¶ 3 What is your position on the chemical, what action, if any, should be taken

• 2. Background

  • How/why we use this chemical
  • Specific products it’s in
  • What it does (positives)
  • Where it is used (what countries)

• 3. Synthesis/Production

  • How it’s made
  • Synthesis/Refinement of chemical
  • Synthesis of common products
    • >include at least 3 balanced chemical reactions
  • Detailed description of the synthesis process
  • Drawing/diagram of the chemical’s structure

• 4. Human health implications

  • Possible dangers
  • Specific processes
    • Include chemical reactions that take place in the body.
    • Include human systems involved (eg reproductive, endocrine)

• 5. Environmental implications

  • Specific systems with which it reacts
    • >include at least 3 balanced chemical reactions
  • What happens when it degrades?
  • How long does it take to degrade?
  • How is it disposed of?

• 6. Economic/Political Impact

  • What if it were banned?
  • Cost of alternatives?
  • What products would we not have if it were banned?
  • What countries export this product?
  • How/If a ban affects you (or the average American)
  • What are the political ramifications of banning this chemical?

• 7. Summary

  • Summarize the costs/benefits and draw a conclusion as to what actions if any are necessary.

• 8. Public Service Announcement

  • 30-60s A-V production
    • audio and visual
    • suitable for TV
  • Raise awareness
    • Include facts
    • Good visuals
      • Be aware of copyright
      • Include all citations on wiki
  • Persuasive
    • State your position
    • Make your audience agree with your position
  • Convince people to take action
    • What can people do?

Due Dates:

Feb 17th Background section due
Feb 20th Human Health and Environmental sections due
Feb 27th Synthesis/Production and Economic/Political sections due
Mar 6th Summary and Abstract sections due
Mar 13th PSA due